What do you think?
Rate this book
Sentinel Wars #3.4 (The Collector)
On the Hunt
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen, and Deidre Knight present a steamy collection of all-new novellas featuring sexy paranormal hunters.
With shadowy creatures, intoxicating magic, vivdly imagined worlds, and sizzling passion, this is an anthology no fan of paranormal romance will want to miss.
In New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter's Ever Night, Rose Pascal is swept into a dark, haunting world every year on her birthday - a world ruled by a warrior king who hunts her kind. Neither of them can deny the passion that soon consumes them both....
In Shannon K. Butcher's The Collector, demon hunter Neal Etan sets out to acquire a powerful artifact, but finds much more in beautiful Viviana Rowan. The antique dealer's touch strengthens his magic - and her life may be in Neal's hands if they don't recover the artifact in time....
In Jessica Andersen's Crystal Skull, archaeologist Natalie Albright's dig gets shut down amid rumors she has awakened the local demons. But when the terrifying underworld creatures attack, Natalie must team up with her ex to survive. As they fight the ancient menace, they discover a destiny that binds them together - and threatens to tear them apart....
And in Deidre Knight's Red Angel, Jamie Angel, leader of the deadly Nightshades, has tracked every kind of monster and demon that roams the darkness, but none of his experiences can prepare him for falling in love with one of the creatures he's trained to destroy....
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
55 people are currently reading
2645 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
February 6, 2011
On the Hunt- Anthology
Paranormal Romance – Feb. 1st 2011
4 stars
This anthology is a solid compilation of paranormal romances by 4 popular authors. Each has their own style and there is sure to be a little something every paranormal reader.
Ever Night
In the first story, Gena Showalter introduces readers to a new and dark world. When Rose turn 18, she is suddenly transported to another dimension and discovers she is a dimension walker – a race that can travel to alternate worlds. There she is brought to a powerful and beautiful man named Vasili who binds her to him and warns her that she will always return to this dimension against her will every birthday. He tells her to protect herself and learn to defend herself for her kind is often killed on sight on his world. On her next birthday, Rose returns. But she has used the past year to become more self –sufficient and this fascinates Vasili even more. However, both are natural enemies; will their attraction for each other overcome old prejudices?
-The interplay between the two main characters is slow to start but soon became fun to read. I only wish Rose had been older since her youth seemed a bit unrealistic compared to the mature Vasili, and she (especially in the beginning) seemed out of her depth compared to him. 4 stars
The Collector
One Collector is one of my favorites in this anthology. In this story, Shannon Butcher returns to her world of the Sentinels where each warrior must meet their mate or become evil. Neal Etan is on a mission to find an important artifact to save his friend’s life. But instead he discovers his destined mate. The one woman’s whose touch relieves the incredible pain he feels every day. Neal wants to woo his woman, but doesn’t know how and demons are after the artifact, too!
-Those who love this series will not be disappointed. As for new readers, this will be a fantastic introduction to this author’s Sentinal Wars series. I think after reading it, many readers will want to read the rest of the series. This is a vastly entertaining read. 4 ½ stars
Crystal Skull
Natalie is an archeologist who has found the site of a lifetime but something about the ruins bothers her a lot. And when she finds a hidden room with a crystal skull, her senses the skull may be related to an old Mayan prophecy. But what Natalie doesn’t know is that she is being watched by her ex- boyfriend, hunky JT. When trouble befalls Natalie, she naturally runs to JT to help her but this modern day warrior knows more than he lets on.
-I liked this story because the two main characters have a past history and a good chemistry. It is also a good introduction to her Nightkeepers series and has an exciting Indiana Jones type vibe. 4 stars
Red Angel
When Sunny is invited to join the rich Angel family house with her friend, she is reluctant. But to show her support for her friend, she agrees. However, she soon catches the roaming eye of the gorgeously cocky Jamie Angel - a bad boy who fights evil and and supernatural skill for sensing danger. Jamie knows there is something different about Sunny and is determined to get to the bottom of it even if he has to seduce her…
-Deidre Knight’s novella is a tight, compact read that is just right. I enjoyed the surprises and pacing in this book and the fact that the two main characters are of different races. 4 stars
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance – Feb. 1st 2011
4 stars
This anthology is a solid compilation of paranormal romances by 4 popular authors. Each has their own style and there is sure to be a little something every paranormal reader.
Ever Night
In the first story, Gena Showalter introduces readers to a new and dark world. When Rose turn 18, she is suddenly transported to another dimension and discovers she is a dimension walker – a race that can travel to alternate worlds. There she is brought to a powerful and beautiful man named Vasili who binds her to him and warns her that she will always return to this dimension against her will every birthday. He tells her to protect herself and learn to defend herself for her kind is often killed on sight on his world. On her next birthday, Rose returns. But she has used the past year to become more self –sufficient and this fascinates Vasili even more. However, both are natural enemies; will their attraction for each other overcome old prejudices?
-The interplay between the two main characters is slow to start but soon became fun to read. I only wish Rose had been older since her youth seemed a bit unrealistic compared to the mature Vasili, and she (especially in the beginning) seemed out of her depth compared to him. 4 stars
The Collector
One Collector is one of my favorites in this anthology. In this story, Shannon Butcher returns to her world of the Sentinels where each warrior must meet their mate or become evil. Neal Etan is on a mission to find an important artifact to save his friend’s life. But instead he discovers his destined mate. The one woman’s whose touch relieves the incredible pain he feels every day. Neal wants to woo his woman, but doesn’t know how and demons are after the artifact, too!
-Those who love this series will not be disappointed. As for new readers, this will be a fantastic introduction to this author’s Sentinal Wars series. I think after reading it, many readers will want to read the rest of the series. This is a vastly entertaining read. 4 ½ stars
Crystal Skull
Natalie is an archeologist who has found the site of a lifetime but something about the ruins bothers her a lot. And when she finds a hidden room with a crystal skull, her senses the skull may be related to an old Mayan prophecy. But what Natalie doesn’t know is that she is being watched by her ex- boyfriend, hunky JT. When trouble befalls Natalie, she naturally runs to JT to help her but this modern day warrior knows more than he lets on.
-I liked this story because the two main characters have a past history and a good chemistry. It is also a good introduction to her Nightkeepers series and has an exciting Indiana Jones type vibe. 4 stars
Red Angel
When Sunny is invited to join the rich Angel family house with her friend, she is reluctant. But to show her support for her friend, she agrees. However, she soon catches the roaming eye of the gorgeously cocky Jamie Angel - a bad boy who fights evil and and supernatural skill for sensing danger. Jamie knows there is something different about Sunny and is determined to get to the bottom of it even if he has to seduce her…
-Deidre Knight’s novella is a tight, compact read that is just right. I enjoyed the surprises and pacing in this book and the fact that the two main characters are of different races. 4 stars
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March 18, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Ever Night
In Ever Night, we have our Heroine Rose, who is transported to another realm and she is part of a unique group of people who can shift from different realms. But Rose is only 17 on her first visit on her birthday, and is taken to the King of the realm of warriors. Vasilli has lived for centuries, and even though Rose it technically viewed as his "enemy" he is drawn to her. But he knows that she is too young. But he binds her to him in a sacred ceremony of his people. Literally she is his wife even if she doesn't know it yet. The next year Rose comes with a bit more kick ass attitude to her belt. Each time they see each other, Rose is drawn to Vasilli even more. To the point that despite what she has learned in her own time and realm, that she only wants to be by his side.
This was a wonderful novella, and one of the best PNR I have ever read. I really liked seeing the set up of this world that Showalter shows us. I do hope she plans on adding more books to this since I fell in love with this mysterious realm. She definitely left a couple of teasers with two side characters: Vasilli's brother and his best friend. I would love to see them get their own stories. The narration was done so well and the romance between these two was sizzling and I just wanted more.
The Collector
In The Collector, Neal Etan is out to seek out an ancient artifact, one that is capable of healing a very close friend to death. He must get it at all costs. However the person that is keeping it from him, is none other than Viviana Rowan. She protects certain artifacts especially those that deal with certain legends of a ancient people that she has studied for years. Neal is overbearing and rude and she refuses to just "hand" it over to him. But when Neal touches her, he leaves Viviana vulnerable to attack because Viviana is rare to his kind and he will need to fully claim her in order to protect her. Neal is dying due to a circumstance of his people, and only one tiny woman can save his life...Viviana.
This was quite a unique story, and the first I have read from this author. I can just say this won't be the last time I read Shannon K. Butcher. I can tell you that much. Even though at first, I was a bit confused by what was really going on. I caught up pretty quickly, and even though it was a novella, it still had great emotional depth to it with some fabulous sexy moments to leave you breathless. I was very fascinated with this world I was able to get introduced to. i GOTTA HAVE MORE....GIMME MORE!! LOL
Crystal Skull
In Crystal Skull, it starts off with our heroine, Natalie Albright who is an archeologist. And she has discovered some ancient ruins, and as her team seeks to study it she discovers a crystal skull. She also is seeking a connection to her past. Because the ancient writings on the wall she recognizes, since they are familiar to her and she knows that they are the key to finding her real identity. But everything goes haywire when the villagers of the area, seek to destroy it and she must find the one man who can aid her. But when she goes out to seek him, they are attacked by beasts from the underworld and only working together and risk it all can they close the portal for these beasts and protect hidden secrets.
I haven't read Jessica Anderson in the LONGEST time and whew I can see that I definitely need to get back to her and soon. I had forgotten all about this world of Mayan prophecy's and ancient mythology themes and my goodness I was swept away in this story. I love this world and it was great to see more of it in this story. The only thing I didn't like was the romance between these two. It felt too rushed even for a novella. And even though they have known each other for a little while in the story, it felt a bit off to me. But other than that everything else about this book was fabulous.
Red Angel
In Red Angel, we are introduced to Jamie Angel who is a fighter of vampires and demons alike. He is the oldest of his family and tends to take charge way too much. His sister makes an effort to invite his nemesis and her best friend for New Years. For the first time in Jamie's life, he is drawn to a woman who is an angel, smells sweeter than heaven and he can't seem to get enough of her. But then he learns her true identity---she is an angel sent to earth to protect the one vampire he can't stand but is mated to his close friend. Their love is forbidden and untouchable unless they can find a loophole that will allow them to be together.
This book was the most emotional for me to get through out of all four novella's. Boy did this author really work me good. It has the whole "forbidden love" scenario. I love this trope and I don't get to read it enough, and I loved seeing it in a novella that was very well written. I was very surprised how much I loved this book. Because normally I wouldn't be able to with it being so short, however, this author did wonders with it. And I just wanted more, because this world she introduces only intrigues the reader even more. Especially when we have revealed the truth behind Jamie and Sunny and their true destiny.
Ever Night
In Ever Night, we have our Heroine Rose, who is transported to another realm and she is part of a unique group of people who can shift from different realms. But Rose is only 17 on her first visit on her birthday, and is taken to the King of the realm of warriors. Vasilli has lived for centuries, and even though Rose it technically viewed as his "enemy" he is drawn to her. But he knows that she is too young. But he binds her to him in a sacred ceremony of his people. Literally she is his wife even if she doesn't know it yet. The next year Rose comes with a bit more kick ass attitude to her belt. Each time they see each other, Rose is drawn to Vasilli even more. To the point that despite what she has learned in her own time and realm, that she only wants to be by his side.
This was a wonderful novella, and one of the best PNR I have ever read. I really liked seeing the set up of this world that Showalter shows us. I do hope she plans on adding more books to this since I fell in love with this mysterious realm. She definitely left a couple of teasers with two side characters: Vasilli's brother and his best friend. I would love to see them get their own stories. The narration was done so well and the romance between these two was sizzling and I just wanted more.
The Collector
In The Collector, Neal Etan is out to seek out an ancient artifact, one that is capable of healing a very close friend to death. He must get it at all costs. However the person that is keeping it from him, is none other than Viviana Rowan. She protects certain artifacts especially those that deal with certain legends of a ancient people that she has studied for years. Neal is overbearing and rude and she refuses to just "hand" it over to him. But when Neal touches her, he leaves Viviana vulnerable to attack because Viviana is rare to his kind and he will need to fully claim her in order to protect her. Neal is dying due to a circumstance of his people, and only one tiny woman can save his life...Viviana.
This was quite a unique story, and the first I have read from this author. I can just say this won't be the last time I read Shannon K. Butcher. I can tell you that much. Even though at first, I was a bit confused by what was really going on. I caught up pretty quickly, and even though it was a novella, it still had great emotional depth to it with some fabulous sexy moments to leave you breathless. I was very fascinated with this world I was able to get introduced to. i GOTTA HAVE MORE....GIMME MORE!! LOL
Crystal Skull
In Crystal Skull, it starts off with our heroine, Natalie Albright who is an archeologist. And she has discovered some ancient ruins, and as her team seeks to study it she discovers a crystal skull. She also is seeking a connection to her past. Because the ancient writings on the wall she recognizes, since they are familiar to her and she knows that they are the key to finding her real identity. But everything goes haywire when the villagers of the area, seek to destroy it and she must find the one man who can aid her. But when she goes out to seek him, they are attacked by beasts from the underworld and only working together and risk it all can they close the portal for these beasts and protect hidden secrets.
I haven't read Jessica Anderson in the LONGEST time and whew I can see that I definitely need to get back to her and soon. I had forgotten all about this world of Mayan prophecy's and ancient mythology themes and my goodness I was swept away in this story. I love this world and it was great to see more of it in this story. The only thing I didn't like was the romance between these two. It felt too rushed even for a novella. And even though they have known each other for a little while in the story, it felt a bit off to me. But other than that everything else about this book was fabulous.
Red Angel
In Red Angel, we are introduced to Jamie Angel who is a fighter of vampires and demons alike. He is the oldest of his family and tends to take charge way too much. His sister makes an effort to invite his nemesis and her best friend for New Years. For the first time in Jamie's life, he is drawn to a woman who is an angel, smells sweeter than heaven and he can't seem to get enough of her. But then he learns her true identity---she is an angel sent to earth to protect the one vampire he can't stand but is mated to his close friend. Their love is forbidden and untouchable unless they can find a loophole that will allow them to be together.
This book was the most emotional for me to get through out of all four novella's. Boy did this author really work me good. It has the whole "forbidden love" scenario. I love this trope and I don't get to read it enough, and I loved seeing it in a novella that was very well written. I was very surprised how much I loved this book. Because normally I wouldn't be able to with it being so short, however, this author did wonders with it. And I just wanted more, because this world she introduces only intrigues the reader even more. Especially when we have revealed the truth behind Jamie and Sunny and their true destiny.
November 28, 2021
DNF at 4%
As you can see, I didn't make much progress with this book. Why? The main character in Ever Night was abducted by horrible monsters and held against her will. She's brought before a terrifying and deadly creature, but all she can think about is how handsome he is. He threatened her and forced her to agree to something against her will, but all she wants to do is comment on how attractive his mouth is (or some other body part). Fuck. That. Shit. If someone abducts me and I see freaking monsters for the first time in my life, someone's pretty face isn't even going to register in my brain. I definitely wouldn't be considering what it would be like to have sex with them, ugh. On the Hunt wasn't for me, but I can only speak for the first book since I didn't get to the others.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Amazon | Pinterest
As you can see, I didn't make much progress with this book. Why? The main character in Ever Night was abducted by horrible monsters and held against her will. She's brought before a terrifying and deadly creature, but all she can think about is how handsome he is. He threatened her and forced her to agree to something against her will, but all she wants to do is comment on how attractive his mouth is (or some other body part). Fuck. That. Shit. If someone abducts me and I see freaking monsters for the first time in my life, someone's pretty face isn't even going to register in my brain. I definitely wouldn't be considering what it would be like to have sex with them, ugh. On the Hunt wasn't for me, but I can only speak for the first book since I didn't get to the others.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Amazon | Pinterest
February 7, 2011
I only read one book by Gena Showalter and I hated it, so I was pretty leery of reading her story in this anthology. I went in prepared for the worst...but Ever Night literally blew me away and ended up being my favorite contribution in this collection.
It was dark, angsty, tender, sweet, heart-breaking, heart-warming, and utterly bittersweet. And I absolutely adored it. Now I'm wondering whether there is (or will be) a series about "Nightmare" and if the answer is yes, when is the next book released? Because I want more!
The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher was the "weakest link" in this anthology. I read the first book in the Sentinel Wars series and didn't like it that much, and this short story didn't convince me of giving the series another shot.
It was good, but not that good.
Jessica Andersen's Crystal Skull was another installment in her "doomsday" Final Prophecy series, and while I did like it, it had all the usual JA and FP elements, I didn't feel quite connected to it, since it didn't feature the already established Nightkeepers cast from the previous books.
So, while it was tied to the series, it seemed somehow removed from it all. I sure hope to see Natalie and JT in one of the "normal" books in the future.
Red Angel was the first thing I read by Deidre Knight, but I sure hope it won't be the last. Because it packed quite a punch despite being quite tame in the hotness department and had quite an "inspirational romance" vibe to it.
Maybe a shortened version with less God-talk...
All in all, this was a great little anthology, wonderful to keep up the pace with the established series and a good lookout spot for new authors.
It was dark, angsty, tender, sweet, heart-breaking, heart-warming, and utterly bittersweet. And I absolutely adored it. Now I'm wondering whether there is (or will be) a series about "Nightmare" and if the answer is yes, when is the next book released? Because I want more!
The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher was the "weakest link" in this anthology. I read the first book in the Sentinel Wars series and didn't like it that much, and this short story didn't convince me of giving the series another shot.
It was good, but not that good.
Jessica Andersen's Crystal Skull was another installment in her "doomsday" Final Prophecy series, and while I did like it, it had all the usual JA and FP elements, I didn't feel quite connected to it, since it didn't feature the already established Nightkeepers cast from the previous books.
So, while it was tied to the series, it seemed somehow removed from it all. I sure hope to see Natalie and JT in one of the "normal" books in the future.
Red Angel was the first thing I read by Deidre Knight, but I sure hope it won't be the last. Because it packed quite a punch despite being quite tame in the hotness department and had quite an "inspirational romance" vibe to it.
Maybe a shortened version with less God-talk...
All in all, this was a great little anthology, wonderful to keep up the pace with the established series and a good lookout spot for new authors.
October 13, 2012
Gena Showalter introduces us to a new world with her Ever Night novella. As Rose’s 18th birthday comes and goes, she is brought into a world ruled by Vasili, the Dark King. Vasili doesn’t understand his own actions, but he takes her into his tent and bonds her to him, making him the only man she can ever desire. As the year progresses, Rose comes again on her 19th birthday and Vasili is impressed with her combat skill. He grows doubtful that he can wait until she is old enough to be claimed by him. But then again, what right does he have to claim her when as an outsider he should only want to kill her? I loved this short and I certainly hope we get to see more of these two and their explosive chemistry!
5 Hoots
In The Collector, Demon hunter Neil Etan believes that he is helping his friend and keeping the antique dealer safe by removing a precious artifact from her possession. But with one touch, Neil sets a magical and potentially destructive chain of events into motion. The mysterious and beautiful Viviana Rowan feels instant chemistry and electricity the moment she touches Neil. But can one man actually heal the lifelong emptiness that Viv has felt insider her soul, or will his very presence get her killed? One thing is for sure, no man or artifact has ever made her feel this good, this complete. Since her touch strengthens his magic, she just might be the promise he has waited a life time to meet…If only the demons don’t get her first. Most enjoyable read!
4 Hoots
Jessica Andersen’s Crystal Skull takes place in a beautiful but deadly corner of the jungle. Archeologist Natalie is licking her wounds after being dumped by JT, a transplant from some military branch and resident demon hunter. The Crystal Skull calls to Nat and when her blood opens the crypt it seems to have awakened legions of demons. This short story was a struggle between two very strong, competent characters. Both Nat and JT learn to set aside their preconceived ideas and trust each other in order to survive.
4 Hoots
I really love this series by Deidre Knight. The Spartan warriors and their battles with the gods have been both entertaining and steamy. My favorite so far has been Red Kiss, just gotta love River and his devotion to his ‘master’. This short story is not directly related to the Spartans, but Red Angel is about Jamie Angel, leader of the deadly Nightshades. They work together with the Spartan warriors to rid the world of evil. In Jamie’s eyes, all monsters are evil and none should be spared from his wrath. That is until he is forced to socialize with a vampire. Then, he meets the one person he can’t have…Sunny. Without any thought, Jamie continues to pursue Sunny despite her warnings and even a deadly visitor threatening him. But the one thing about Jamie that has kept him alive all these years is his grit and fortitude to finish a job he has started…and a life with Sunny has only just begun!
4 Hoots
5 Hoots
In The Collector, Demon hunter Neil Etan believes that he is helping his friend and keeping the antique dealer safe by removing a precious artifact from her possession. But with one touch, Neil sets a magical and potentially destructive chain of events into motion. The mysterious and beautiful Viviana Rowan feels instant chemistry and electricity the moment she touches Neil. But can one man actually heal the lifelong emptiness that Viv has felt insider her soul, or will his very presence get her killed? One thing is for sure, no man or artifact has ever made her feel this good, this complete. Since her touch strengthens his magic, she just might be the promise he has waited a life time to meet…If only the demons don’t get her first. Most enjoyable read!
4 Hoots
Jessica Andersen’s Crystal Skull takes place in a beautiful but deadly corner of the jungle. Archeologist Natalie is licking her wounds after being dumped by JT, a transplant from some military branch and resident demon hunter. The Crystal Skull calls to Nat and when her blood opens the crypt it seems to have awakened legions of demons. This short story was a struggle between two very strong, competent characters. Both Nat and JT learn to set aside their preconceived ideas and trust each other in order to survive.
4 Hoots
I really love this series by Deidre Knight. The Spartan warriors and their battles with the gods have been both entertaining and steamy. My favorite so far has been Red Kiss, just gotta love River and his devotion to his ‘master’. This short story is not directly related to the Spartans, but Red Angel is about Jamie Angel, leader of the deadly Nightshades. They work together with the Spartan warriors to rid the world of evil. In Jamie’s eyes, all monsters are evil and none should be spared from his wrath. That is until he is forced to socialize with a vampire. Then, he meets the one person he can’t have…Sunny. Without any thought, Jamie continues to pursue Sunny despite her warnings and even a deadly visitor threatening him. But the one thing about Jamie that has kept him alive all these years is his grit and fortitude to finish a job he has started…and a life with Sunny has only just begun!
4 Hoots
August 26, 2018
The Collector - 2.5*
July 2, 2017
Read Gena Showalter's entry but didn't get into the other stories.
April 11, 2012
THE COLLECTOR by Shannon K Butcher
The Collector by Shannon K Butcher is a novella found in the anthology ON THE HUNT. Part of the Sentinel Wars series of books, The Collector considered number 3.5 in the series is Neal Etan and Vivian Rowan’s story. Like the previous novels, the Sentinels are descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Thernai, and without a mate to absorb the excess of power to save their dying souls, the Sentinel warrior suffers immense pain and the their Tree of Life-lifemark begins to lose its leaves.
Neal Etan is a warrior on the hunt. Hoping to locate the missing medallions that will save his friend Torr, Neal must convince antique’s collector Vivian Rowan that the medallions she has in her possession, will cure his friend’s paralysis. Still suffering the lingering side effects from a near –electrocution, Neal’s amped up power reserve is tapping his lifemark faster than normal, and the pain has increased exponentially. But when Vivian offers her hand in introduction, Neal’s years of pain and suffering are eased and with it the knowledge that she is his soulmate-his other half-the woman who can syphon the mounting power that Is building within his body.
Vivian Rowan has always felt alone. All her life, as an adopted child, she has never fit it. But one touch from Neal Etan, has marked her forever. There is a connection unlike anything she has ever felt. With her power to sense when something or someone is near, Vivian knows that this man is somehow connected to the many antique collectibles that she has amassed over the years. She is drawn to these ancient articles, feeling a connection to their history and lore. But Neal’s aggression and need for the medallions forces Vivian to send Neal away.
A call to Drake, another Theronai warrior reveals that now that Neal has connected with his soulmate, she is at risk for an attack by the Synestryn demons. Her protective barriers are no longer able to hide her Theronai heritage and presence in the human world. Hoping to protect his future mate, Neal arrives only to find the demons have already located Vivian. Using his skill as a warrior and the magic sword, Neal and Vivian make their escape.
But Neal is still in need of the medallions, and Vivian is not willing to acknowledge their existence. To complicate matters, the medallions have been separated and Vivian can only sense the whereabouts of one
Vivian takes Neal to Professor Reynold’s house, where she has hidden the first of the medallions, but it is too late. The Synestryn demons have already killed the professor and now Vivian blames herself for her friend’s death. When Neal finally locates the medallion, he urges Vivian to use her to locate the other antiquity, but her powers are not strong enough.
Neal, needing the connection to his mate, reluctantly offers a deal. Trying not to overwhelm his mate, Neal explains a partial history of the Sentinel Warriors who guard the gate between Athanasia and the human world, and suggests that to heighten her powers of sense, she wear his Luceria-a necklace that symbolizes the mated pair, and one that will increase their powers together.
When Vivian agrees, Neal pledges his live to protect his mate, but she is still reticent and is not willing to pledge an eternity to the man, who may be her future. Neal knows to complete the bonding, the pair must engage is making love, but if Vivian walks away from their relationship, Neal will die- a risk he is willing to take to save the life of his friend and his mate. With her new powers, Vivian locates the second medallion at a limestone cave, but they are once again attacked by the Sgath demons. Channeling her new-found powers, Vivian draws energy from her mate, and aids Neal in his battle to save their lives and the life of his friend. Vivian and Neal’s connection, and her proclamation of love and pledge to protect her mate, the luceria colors of bronze to match, as does her new title of The Bronze Lady.
The Collector is a wonderful short story. We were first introduced to Neal in the earlier storylines and now that he has found his mate, we hope to hear more about these characters. I always worry, that when an author writes a novella, the mated pair tend to fall by the wayside, rarely to be heard from again. But with his friend Torr still in need and the many other Sentinels still requiring mates, I am hoping for a reunion of all the warriors when we meet again. Another great story from Shannon in The Sentinel Wars series.
Read all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
The Collector by Shannon K Butcher is a novella found in the anthology ON THE HUNT. Part of the Sentinel Wars series of books, The Collector considered number 3.5 in the series is Neal Etan and Vivian Rowan’s story. Like the previous novels, the Sentinels are descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Thernai, and without a mate to absorb the excess of power to save their dying souls, the Sentinel warrior suffers immense pain and the their Tree of Life-lifemark begins to lose its leaves.
Neal Etan is a warrior on the hunt. Hoping to locate the missing medallions that will save his friend Torr, Neal must convince antique’s collector Vivian Rowan that the medallions she has in her possession, will cure his friend’s paralysis. Still suffering the lingering side effects from a near –electrocution, Neal’s amped up power reserve is tapping his lifemark faster than normal, and the pain has increased exponentially. But when Vivian offers her hand in introduction, Neal’s years of pain and suffering are eased and with it the knowledge that she is his soulmate-his other half-the woman who can syphon the mounting power that Is building within his body.
Vivian Rowan has always felt alone. All her life, as an adopted child, she has never fit it. But one touch from Neal Etan, has marked her forever. There is a connection unlike anything she has ever felt. With her power to sense when something or someone is near, Vivian knows that this man is somehow connected to the many antique collectibles that she has amassed over the years. She is drawn to these ancient articles, feeling a connection to their history and lore. But Neal’s aggression and need for the medallions forces Vivian to send Neal away.
A call to Drake, another Theronai warrior reveals that now that Neal has connected with his soulmate, she is at risk for an attack by the Synestryn demons. Her protective barriers are no longer able to hide her Theronai heritage and presence in the human world. Hoping to protect his future mate, Neal arrives only to find the demons have already located Vivian. Using his skill as a warrior and the magic sword, Neal and Vivian make their escape.
But Neal is still in need of the medallions, and Vivian is not willing to acknowledge their existence. To complicate matters, the medallions have been separated and Vivian can only sense the whereabouts of one
Vivian takes Neal to Professor Reynold’s house, where she has hidden the first of the medallions, but it is too late. The Synestryn demons have already killed the professor and now Vivian blames herself for her friend’s death. When Neal finally locates the medallion, he urges Vivian to use her to locate the other antiquity, but her powers are not strong enough.
Neal, needing the connection to his mate, reluctantly offers a deal. Trying not to overwhelm his mate, Neal explains a partial history of the Sentinel Warriors who guard the gate between Athanasia and the human world, and suggests that to heighten her powers of sense, she wear his Luceria-a necklace that symbolizes the mated pair, and one that will increase their powers together.
When Vivian agrees, Neal pledges his live to protect his mate, but she is still reticent and is not willing to pledge an eternity to the man, who may be her future. Neal knows to complete the bonding, the pair must engage is making love, but if Vivian walks away from their relationship, Neal will die- a risk he is willing to take to save the life of his friend and his mate. With her new powers, Vivian locates the second medallion at a limestone cave, but they are once again attacked by the Sgath demons. Channeling her new-found powers, Vivian draws energy from her mate, and aids Neal in his battle to save their lives and the life of his friend. Vivian and Neal’s connection, and her proclamation of love and pledge to protect her mate, the luceria colors of bronze to match, as does her new title of The Bronze Lady.
The Collector is a wonderful short story. We were first introduced to Neal in the earlier storylines and now that he has found his mate, we hope to hear more about these characters. I always worry, that when an author writes a novella, the mated pair tend to fall by the wayside, rarely to be heard from again. But with his friend Torr still in need and the many other Sentinels still requiring mates, I am hoping for a reunion of all the warriors when we meet again. Another great story from Shannon in The Sentinel Wars series.
Read all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
November 8, 2011
I’ve never read anything by any of these authors before, so this book was a nice introduction to them. This is a collection of four novellas by four popular authors. This anthology stands on its own and you don't have to know the series in order to get the stories.
Ever Night by Gena Showalter – I give it 3.0 out of 5 stars.
On her eighteenth birthday, Rose Pascal gets pulled into a dark world - the opposite of our (light) world. Captured by the monsters that roam that world she's brought before their leader, the handsome but domineering warrior king, Vasili. On the first night, he bonds with her through a blood ritual. Every year she returns to learn more while trying to avoid the undeniable pull she feels to him. She may be the key to bringing peace between their worlds.
3 stars for the sexual tension, but other than that I was underwhelmed. The ending was so predictable and dare I say it ... lame. I'm not giving up hope that something of Showalter's will catch my eye and hold my attention.
The Collector (Sentinel Wars, #3.5) by Shannon K. Butcher – I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Demon hunter Neal Etan seeks out antique dealer Viviana Rowan to acquire a powerful artifact that will heal his dying friend. Neal's life is also coming to a slow and painful end, until a simple touch from Viviana takes away his pain and magic surrounding them tells him that she is his savior. When she's in danger of being attacked by demons, he swoops in and saves her. Together they race to find the missing artifact but end up finding much more. The plot and action were great with very likable, well-rounded characters.
My favorite of the four and the reason why I'll be purchasing the rest of the series.
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen - I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Great plot, very descriptive, nailbiting action. The story was very interesting with Tomb Raider meets Indiana Jones undertones. Archaeologist Natalie Albright discovers a Mayan temple housing a crystal skull. Of course she removes it which triggers the unleashing of demonic creatures from the underworld. In order to save the world from the 2012 doomsday war, she teams up with her ex to seal the hellmouth, finds out about her birthright and discovers the secrets that surrounded JT. I'll definitely look into the Nightkeepers series.
-0.5 stars for Natalie expressing her euphoria over her discovery with a litany of Oh Gods and Oh Shits. I get it, you're excited. Just yell eureka once and get over it.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight - I give it 2.0 out of 5 stars.
This story bored me. Vampire hunter Jamie Angel is seemingly cold and closed off, with a revolving door to his bedroom until Sunny Renfroe steps into his life. He senses she isn't human and makes it his mission to seduce the mystery out of her. Bad idea. She's an angel. Once he finds out, the two main characters .... it's not even worth it to continue. The 2 stars are for the passion and the supporting characters.
Overall, I loved the anthology and would definitely recommend it, or books like it to familiarize oneself with these stories and authors.
Ever Night by Gena Showalter – I give it 3.0 out of 5 stars.
On her eighteenth birthday, Rose Pascal gets pulled into a dark world - the opposite of our (light) world. Captured by the monsters that roam that world she's brought before their leader, the handsome but domineering warrior king, Vasili. On the first night, he bonds with her through a blood ritual. Every year she returns to learn more while trying to avoid the undeniable pull she feels to him. She may be the key to bringing peace between their worlds.
3 stars for the sexual tension, but other than that I was underwhelmed. The ending was so predictable and dare I say it ... lame. I'm not giving up hope that something of Showalter's will catch my eye and hold my attention.
The Collector (Sentinel Wars, #3.5) by Shannon K. Butcher – I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Demon hunter Neal Etan seeks out antique dealer Viviana Rowan to acquire a powerful artifact that will heal his dying friend. Neal's life is also coming to a slow and painful end, until a simple touch from Viviana takes away his pain and magic surrounding them tells him that she is his savior. When she's in danger of being attacked by demons, he swoops in and saves her. Together they race to find the missing artifact but end up finding much more. The plot and action were great with very likable, well-rounded characters.
My favorite of the four and the reason why I'll be purchasing the rest of the series.
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen - I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Great plot, very descriptive, nailbiting action. The story was very interesting with Tomb Raider meets Indiana Jones undertones. Archaeologist Natalie Albright discovers a Mayan temple housing a crystal skull. Of course she removes it which triggers the unleashing of demonic creatures from the underworld. In order to save the world from the 2012 doomsday war, she teams up with her ex to seal the hellmouth, finds out about her birthright and discovers the secrets that surrounded JT. I'll definitely look into the Nightkeepers series.
-0.5 stars for Natalie expressing her euphoria over her discovery with a litany of Oh Gods and Oh Shits. I get it, you're excited. Just yell eureka once and get over it.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight - I give it 2.0 out of 5 stars.
This story bored me. Vampire hunter Jamie Angel is seemingly cold and closed off, with a revolving door to his bedroom until Sunny Renfroe steps into his life. He senses she isn't human and makes it his mission to seduce the mystery out of her. Bad idea. She's an angel. Once he finds out, the two main characters .... it's not even worth it to continue. The 2 stars are for the passion and the supporting characters.
Overall, I loved the anthology and would definitely recommend it, or books like it to familiarize oneself with these stories and authors.
February 2, 2011
If you are hunting for just a bit more of your favorite series while waiting for the next installment, this may be the anthology for you. Of the four authors featured here, only headliner Showalter brings us a new world - the rest just take the opportunity to explore side characters or approach their worlds from a slightly different angle. Since I am a fan of all of the series represented here, I liked the connected (but standalone shorts) for Diedre Knight's 'Red' Spartans, Shannon Butcher's Sentinels, and Jessica Andersen's Nightkeepers which all worked as nice little carve-outs to those authors' series.
In the order that I read them:
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen ~*~ A woman is drawn to a sacred ruin and uncovers a relic connected to her unknown origins and with the help of a former lover - with secrets of his own - the power which just may save the world ~*~ This Nightkeepers short was a nice little carve out, with different characters not connected to the main group and the pre-existing relationship between the leads made it work in the romance department - it will be interesting to see if Andersen weaves this pair back into the main story line.
The Collector by Shannnon K Butcher ~*~ A Sentinel warrior whose days are numbered seeks an artifact which may be the key to healing a crippled comrade, and instead finds the woman who just may be his own salvation ~*~ I liked this Sentinels short which isset before Living the Nightmare but the romance was really really rushed forcing the heroine who is 'buttoned-up' and who likes to take things slow to do a rapid about face to in order to get to the HEA.
Evernight by Gena Showalter ~*~ On her eighteenth birthday a woman discovers that she is cursed and pulled into a world where humans with her talent are exterminated on sight but when she first walks between worlds she doesn't end up dead but instead bound to a dangerous warlord. ~*~ Showalter story was set in a new world altogether (so no Lords, Atlantean's or Alien Hunters) Her offering was okay, but there was way too big a conflict for a short story resolution to do the ending justice. There was enough to the set up here that Evernight probably deserved to be at least a novella.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight ~*~ Demon hunting Jaime Angel has avoided committment and devoted his life to saving the world, but now that his friends and family are pairing off he can't help but long for an end to the isolation that his quick hookups don't cure - unfortunately, the woman he wants for his very own is one who is forbidden to love him. ~*~ I also liked this one, which is connected to Knight's immortal Spartan's series, but don't know that it would be as much fun for those who aren't fans of the series since there are lots of cameos for past characters.
In the order that I read them:
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen ~*~ A woman is drawn to a sacred ruin and uncovers a relic connected to her unknown origins and with the help of a former lover - with secrets of his own - the power which just may save the world ~*~ This Nightkeepers short was a nice little carve out, with different characters not connected to the main group and the pre-existing relationship between the leads made it work in the romance department - it will be interesting to see if Andersen weaves this pair back into the main story line.
The Collector by Shannnon K Butcher ~*~ A Sentinel warrior whose days are numbered seeks an artifact which may be the key to healing a crippled comrade, and instead finds the woman who just may be his own salvation ~*~ I liked this Sentinels short which isset before Living the Nightmare but the romance was really really rushed forcing the heroine who is 'buttoned-up' and who likes to take things slow to do a rapid about face to in order to get to the HEA.
Evernight by Gena Showalter ~*~ On her eighteenth birthday a woman discovers that she is cursed and pulled into a world where humans with her talent are exterminated on sight but when she first walks between worlds she doesn't end up dead but instead bound to a dangerous warlord. ~*~ Showalter story was set in a new world altogether (so no Lords, Atlantean's or Alien Hunters) Her offering was okay, but there was way too big a conflict for a short story resolution to do the ending justice. There was enough to the set up here that Evernight probably deserved to be at least a novella.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight ~*~ Demon hunting Jaime Angel has avoided committment and devoted his life to saving the world, but now that his friends and family are pairing off he can't help but long for an end to the isolation that his quick hookups don't cure - unfortunately, the woman he wants for his very own is one who is forbidden to love him. ~*~ I also liked this one, which is connected to Knight's immortal Spartan's series, but don't know that it would be as much fun for those who aren't fans of the series since there are lots of cameos for past characters.
February 7, 2018
You cant go wrong with any of these authors they are all amazing and very fine writers
The first story Ever Night by Gena Showalter was BRILLIANT!!
I am always pleasantly surprised when I read a book by Gena Showalter I know she is great but she never fails to surprise me with her awesomeness. This was only a novella but boy did I feel like I had read a full novel, This story was Brilliant it had everything, great characters awesome story line, bit of blood and action and a beautiful romance that just bound it up into a beautiful package. Even if you dont read the rest give this one a go it is worth it. All Gena Showalter fans will not be dissapointed. 5 Stars
The second story Collector by Shannon K Butcher was AWESOME!!.
I love the Sentinal Warriors Series and this little snippet into the awesome world Shannon K Butcher has created and interesting and beautiful world that you feel a part of and want to visit again and again. This was Neal's story and even though its short you get a great story that sucks you in within the first sentence, and you dont want to leave.
*RE-READ - Still an enjoyable read was so glad to see that Neal gets his woman after losing a number of his leaves due to the added absorption of power. I really like Neal his is charming and possessive and Viviana is incredibly bright and quiet I would love to see more of her power and how these two will develop. All up a special addition to the Sentinal series that was entirely fun and interesting.
Even though these stories are short you dont feel as if you should have gotten more information and if you did it would have just been a bonus. Brilliant stories by brilliant writers. If you havent read any of the series that these stories originate from then you are missing out completely.
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen was brilliant! Fast paced story lots of action and a really good story for the number if pages. An excellent edition to the Nighwalker series. I loved that this was a Winikin story and not all about the nightwalkers I hope they all get to meet in the next installment.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight reviews to come.
The first story Ever Night by Gena Showalter was BRILLIANT!!
I am always pleasantly surprised when I read a book by Gena Showalter I know she is great but she never fails to surprise me with her awesomeness. This was only a novella but boy did I feel like I had read a full novel, This story was Brilliant it had everything, great characters awesome story line, bit of blood and action and a beautiful romance that just bound it up into a beautiful package. Even if you dont read the rest give this one a go it is worth it. All Gena Showalter fans will not be dissapointed. 5 Stars
The second story Collector by Shannon K Butcher was AWESOME!!.
I love the Sentinal Warriors Series and this little snippet into the awesome world Shannon K Butcher has created and interesting and beautiful world that you feel a part of and want to visit again and again. This was Neal's story and even though its short you get a great story that sucks you in within the first sentence, and you dont want to leave.
*RE-READ - Still an enjoyable read was so glad to see that Neal gets his woman after losing a number of his leaves due to the added absorption of power. I really like Neal his is charming and possessive and Viviana is incredibly bright and quiet I would love to see more of her power and how these two will develop. All up a special addition to the Sentinal series that was entirely fun and interesting.
Even though these stories are short you dont feel as if you should have gotten more information and if you did it would have just been a bonus. Brilliant stories by brilliant writers. If you havent read any of the series that these stories originate from then you are missing out completely.
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen was brilliant! Fast paced story lots of action and a really good story for the number if pages. An excellent edition to the Nighwalker series. I loved that this was a Winikin story and not all about the nightwalkers I hope they all get to meet in the next installment.
Red Angel by Deidre Knight reviews to come.
August 26, 2012
4 Novellas in one book.
Ever Night (stand alone story)
Collector (Sentinel Wars, 3.5)
Crystal Skull (Nightkeepers 5.5)
Red Angel (Gods of Midnight, 4.5)
This is a thoroughly enjoyable selection of PNR stories. Sexy love interests, all with the common theme of paranormal hunters of demons, with magic, suspense, and passion mixed in.
My favorite was "The Collector", about a fatalistic Sentinal warrior seeking an artifact that may save a friend's life. He finds the woman that may be his own salvation.
Second favorite was "Red Angel", playboy and demon hunter Jaime Angel falls hard for Sunny, a guardian angel in human form, forbidden from relationships with humans.
Crystal Skull was intriguing, but I think I would have appreciated it even more if I was a reader of this series (Nightkeepers), which now is on my to-read list.
Ever Night was good, although in 4th place of the four stories for me. I can say that I looked forward to continuing the series after completing Ever Night, so it's not that it was bad or non-enjoyable, just not my personal favorite.
I'm looking forward to reading the book series related to these novellas.
All four stories featured more romantic suspense and less outright erotic romance, no problem with that, but just sayin'.
After a week of reading some real trash, this book was a "palate cleanser" for the brain. :-)
Oddball trivia:
When I started reading this collection of stories, i had a deja vous moment...something familiar. Then it occurred to me that I had rented this as an audio book several months ago, but my time was "up" just as I started listening to the second story in the series.
Ever Night (stand alone story)
Collector (Sentinel Wars, 3.5)
Crystal Skull (Nightkeepers 5.5)
Red Angel (Gods of Midnight, 4.5)
This is a thoroughly enjoyable selection of PNR stories. Sexy love interests, all with the common theme of paranormal hunters of demons, with magic, suspense, and passion mixed in.
My favorite was "The Collector", about a fatalistic Sentinal warrior seeking an artifact that may save a friend's life. He finds the woman that may be his own salvation.
Second favorite was "Red Angel", playboy and demon hunter Jaime Angel falls hard for Sunny, a guardian angel in human form, forbidden from relationships with humans.
Crystal Skull was intriguing, but I think I would have appreciated it even more if I was a reader of this series (Nightkeepers), which now is on my to-read list.
Ever Night was good, although in 4th place of the four stories for me. I can say that I looked forward to continuing the series after completing Ever Night, so it's not that it was bad or non-enjoyable, just not my personal favorite.
I'm looking forward to reading the book series related to these novellas.
All four stories featured more romantic suspense and less outright erotic romance, no problem with that, but just sayin'.
After a week of reading some real trash, this book was a "palate cleanser" for the brain. :-)
Oddball trivia:
When I started reading this collection of stories, i had a deja vous moment...something familiar. Then it occurred to me that I had rented this as an audio book several months ago, but my time was "up" just as I started listening to the second story in the series.
May 20, 2011
On the Hunt is a great anthology that features stories by Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen, and Deidre Knight. Showalter delivers a page turning tale called "Ever Night" featuring Rose and a warrior king that calls her to his world on her birthday. Despite being a short story, Showalter delivers a great buildup of not only the characters but of the different world itself. I would love to see this world revisted in another book. Shannon K. Butcher continues her Sentinels world in "The Collector" by using Neal a character from her previous books and a new character in Viviana. This short story contains the action and adventure that Butcher has in her full length novels. I really enjoyed this story and think it would serve as a great introduction to Butcher's world for a new reader and entertain a faithful reader as well. Jessica Andersen introduces two new members of the Nightkeepers in "Crystal Skull." It was a great ride being taken back into the Nightkeepers world, and I love how Andersen built up two new characters in this short story and I am looking forward to seeing them join the rest of the Nightkeepers. Deidre Knight delivered a good story in "Red Angel" that I also enjoyed. However this was my first exposure to her work. I would definitely read her again though because she delivered an exciting short story that kept me turning the pages. Overall On The Hunt was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it.
April 26, 2011
I love anthologies because I like to see how various authors write to a specific theme. What are the similarities or the differences? How do they handle the topic? Also, I simply enjoy a good short story.
Gena's story Ever Night felt like an alternate reality.speculative fiction more than a flat out paranormal, but I loved it, probably because the story colors outside the lines and scribbles on the envelope. The setting became a character all on it's own and I really enjoy those type of short fiction.
Shannnon's contribution, The Collector, was more along the traditional lines of paranormal romance, with a demon hunting hero and a slightly mystified and clueless heroine struggling to come to grips with her new reality of knowing what the world is really like. Since I also love to collect things, I enjoyed this aspect of the story, and of course, she writes very hawt heroes with attitude, so I loved it. :-)
Jessica's Crystal Skull is an explosive mix of paranormal suspense and romance, which really moves the story along. I wanted more from her main characters and hope they find their way into another of her books with cameo appearances.
Deidre's Red Angel was a nice twist on the traditional paranormal, and I loved that the setting was the south and the characters southerners. :D
Gena's story Ever Night felt like an alternate reality.speculative fiction more than a flat out paranormal, but I loved it, probably because the story colors outside the lines and scribbles on the envelope. The setting became a character all on it's own and I really enjoy those type of short fiction.
Shannnon's contribution, The Collector, was more along the traditional lines of paranormal romance, with a demon hunting hero and a slightly mystified and clueless heroine struggling to come to grips with her new reality of knowing what the world is really like. Since I also love to collect things, I enjoyed this aspect of the story, and of course, she writes very hawt heroes with attitude, so I loved it. :-)
Jessica's Crystal Skull is an explosive mix of paranormal suspense and romance, which really moves the story along. I wanted more from her main characters and hope they find their way into another of her books with cameo appearances.
Deidre's Red Angel was a nice twist on the traditional paranormal, and I loved that the setting was the south and the characters southerners. :D
August 31, 2011
Gena Showalter “Ever Night”
VERY INTRIGUING! You cannot help but be attached to Vasili and his dark side. Rose is such a strong heroine; she listens and follows all of Vasili’s instructions. I am a big fan and want to read more.
Shannon K. Butcher “The Collector”
I am a HUGE fan of this series and loved how Shannon was able to make the transition for Viviana a lot smoother than some of the other females in the series. Neal is so sweet, patient and understanding but it is great to see Viviana so accepting as well.
Jessica Andersen “Crystal Skull”
The chemistry between Natalie and JT is fantastic. You can tell he cares so much for her and they are both strong characters. It was interesting how Natalie finds out about who she is really and how they are meant to be together.
Deidre Knight “Red Angel”
Knight did a fantastic job at making the reader fall in love with the “bad guy.” Jamie tries to put on the façade but Sunny is so easily about to see through it…just like Jamie can see through Sunny. I am definitely interested in reading more of this series. I like the idea of angels watching over all of God’s creatures, near and far.
VERY INTRIGUING! You cannot help but be attached to Vasili and his dark side. Rose is such a strong heroine; she listens and follows all of Vasili’s instructions. I am a big fan and want to read more.
Shannon K. Butcher “The Collector”
I am a HUGE fan of this series and loved how Shannon was able to make the transition for Viviana a lot smoother than some of the other females in the series. Neal is so sweet, patient and understanding but it is great to see Viviana so accepting as well.
Jessica Andersen “Crystal Skull”
The chemistry between Natalie and JT is fantastic. You can tell he cares so much for her and they are both strong characters. It was interesting how Natalie finds out about who she is really and how they are meant to be together.
Deidre Knight “Red Angel”
Knight did a fantastic job at making the reader fall in love with the “bad guy.” Jamie tries to put on the façade but Sunny is so easily about to see through it…just like Jamie can see through Sunny. I am definitely interested in reading more of this series. I like the idea of angels watching over all of God’s creatures, near and far.
May 27, 2011
Gena Showalter's story was my favorite of the four stories within this anthology which isn't surprising since I love all her stuff and really only got the book for her story anyway. However, I was surprised to find myself liking Jessica Andersen's story as much as I did because I'm not the biggest fan of her Final Prophecy series (I really struggled through the first book), but the short story has made me willing to give the series another shot. Shannon Butcher's story was a close second to Gena Showalter's; only thing was that it was a bit confusing, but I think that was because it was in the middle of a series that I haven't read yet (but, now I totally plan to read it!). I wasn't a big fan of the last story by Deidre Knight, I don't know why, but it just didn't interest me all that much.
Overall, a very nice anthology since it introduced me to one new series and possibly reintroduced me to another (if the second book in Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series is better than the first one).
Overall, a very nice anthology since it introduced me to one new series and possibly reintroduced me to another (if the second book in Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series is better than the first one).
July 22, 2011
Ever night is a stand-alone Paranormal Romance Story by Gena Showalter, found in the On the Hunt Anthology.
This story is about Rose and Vasili. Rose is an 18 year old human who discovers that she is a Dimension Walker. A Dimension Walker is a human who moves between the human world ‘the light dimension’ and the other ‘dark dimension’. A walker is transported into the other dimension on their birthday, every year starting on their 18th. Vasili is the King of the Northern Lands in the dark dimension. His people excepted the walkers until one day they turned on them and slaughtered his people, including his parents, siblings. Only he and his little brother survived the attack on the royals. Since then, walkers are executed on sight. When Rose and Vasili fall in love, he must hide her from his people. Eventually, he needs to make a decision between his people and his love. This is an incredible love story and I really hope Gena Showalter turns this story into a series. I loved loved loved it!
This story is about Rose and Vasili. Rose is an 18 year old human who discovers that she is a Dimension Walker. A Dimension Walker is a human who moves between the human world ‘the light dimension’ and the other ‘dark dimension’. A walker is transported into the other dimension on their birthday, every year starting on their 18th. Vasili is the King of the Northern Lands in the dark dimension. His people excepted the walkers until one day they turned on them and slaughtered his people, including his parents, siblings. Only he and his little brother survived the attack on the royals. Since then, walkers are executed on sight. When Rose and Vasili fall in love, he must hide her from his people. Eventually, he needs to make a decision between his people and his love. This is an incredible love story and I really hope Gena Showalter turns this story into a series. I loved loved loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2014
I read the first two stories only. I loved Gena Showalters story. It was really great as always. Only thing is that it ended a little quickly. But aside from that I love the "Walkers". Vasili was super hot and anytime they have violet eyes that just makes it so much better. lol Dont know why, just love it. He was a controlling jerk at first and I was kinda unsure but then I totally loved him.
Then the Shannon Butcher. I totally remembered Neal from the Sentinel Wars series ( which by the way I love)..Thought that it was cool that Neal got his story even if it is only a short one. Fast paced , plenty of action. Loved the prim and proper Viviana was all satin and lace underneath all those stuffy clothes. lol
The other two stories I just couldn't get into. I have tried the read Jessica Anderson's books and it was just not my style. Then the Deidre Knight I did not read because well I haven't read that series and it just wasn't doing it for me. But I may look into her books.
Then the Shannon Butcher. I totally remembered Neal from the Sentinel Wars series ( which by the way I love)..Thought that it was cool that Neal got his story even if it is only a short one. Fast paced , plenty of action. Loved the prim and proper Viviana was all satin and lace underneath all those stuffy clothes. lol
The other two stories I just couldn't get into. I have tried the read Jessica Anderson's books and it was just not my style. Then the Deidre Knight I did not read because well I haven't read that series and it just wasn't doing it for me. But I may look into her books.
February 27, 2011
omg omg omg omg omg, i love this book, not jsut the cover or anything, but that is a great plus bc look at that cover. that can melt anyone jsut looking at him. but i lvoe this book bc there 2 author that i love and would read all there books. its great short stories and its really fast pace threw the book. i lvoe the first one by gena showlter, omg its one hot storie line, and the character are awsome to, its like romeo and juliet love storie line and they fight to keep from each other but in the end they know they are ment to be not bc of the bond they both share but they learn to love each other. the rest of the book is great to, they are just the first stories w hero guy, strong and brave w there woman. they know they are ment to be when they first meet and they fought threw the stories w ppl who trying to kill them. but i love it and i def have to read more books like this.
December 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this collections of stories from an old favorite and new to me authors. My two favorite stories are Ever Night and The Collector. Gena Showalter is a new to me author. I really enjoyed how cleverly woven her tale was and how much I wanted to be in Rose's shoes. Rose's character intriqued me in so many ways I really don't have the words to describe it accurately. Shannon K. Butcher is a favorite author of mine. I just love her Sentinel Wars Series! I've heard many people talking about this short story but hadn't the chance to read it until now. Even for the length of this short story it's a powerhouse to be reckoned with. The Collector blew me away because I learned more about the Sentinels. Please don't miss out on this great book. You won't be sorry!
March 13, 2011
On The Hunt includes four short stories of paranormal romance, suspense, and adventure. I must admit that Gena Showalter's story is what drew me to the book; but the other author's definately impressed me. Overall, I found the all the stories to be enjoyable reads w/ lots of action, suspense, and romance. My favorite story was Evernnight w/ my least favorite story being the Crystal Skull. One of the things I like about anthologies is it introduces me to new authors, and books, I otherwise might have missed. I would definately recommend this book, and think all readers will find something to like about it.
December 25, 2012
Evernight and The Collector and they were both great. Everything I expected from both of these authors I have come to love. The Crystal skull on the other hand was the weakest story out of all of them. I don't know why I didn't like it. I just didn't maybe it had something to do with all the mayan folklore or that the bad guys seemed really cheesy. I don't know. It just wasn't the greatest read. The last story however made up for the let down on the third. The hero and the heroine were both great. I really enjoyed this collection.
January 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, all the stories were pretty good, a couple made me want to check out the author's I didn't know and their series these shorts were stemming from. I would suggest this to anyone who is trying to find new authors/series to try out.
January 19, 2016
Review to come....
October 31, 2011
This was amazing! Why isn't it a whole series!!!
January 14, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
I always have a hard time rating anthologies. Do you rate it on the variety or the quality of the writing? I usually give it the benefit of the doubt as it is a good way to find new authors to read. In this case, the quality of a couple of stories dragged the rating down.
Ever Night by Gena Showalter
As far as I know, this is a standalone novella. I have read other books by the author and used to like her books better. Since it came with this sampler book, I read the story and was reminded why I no longer read her books.
Rose is a dimension walker and is called to another dimension on her birthdays. People in the other dimension hunt the dimension walkers like her. In that dimension, she meets Vasili. He immediately bonds with her. There is no explanation for his deciding to do so. He is 15 years older than she is. There is no build up of the relationship.
The sex is like having a fight. They are so uncontrollably attracted to each other that, at one point, they get caught in a hallway about to have sex. A lot of the conversation is “you are mine”. “No, you are mine.”
In the end, after speaking just a couple of sentences, Rose gets Vasili’s people to agree to stop hunting the dimension walkers. This is unrealistic though it allows Rose to accept staying in Vasili’s dimension.
The story is rushed and improbable. The relationship has no depth.
2 stars
The Collector by Shannon Butcher
This novella fits into the author’s Sentinel series. It can be read as a standalone, though there are references to other characters which are explained. Despite the short length, the author gives details that add to the story.
While the relationship is not fleshed out due to the story’s length, it does give a sense that the two main characters are fated to be together. In addition, Neal very quickly admires Viviana and likes who she is. For Viviana, it was less clear what she liked about Neal as she has many shocks in this book and that takes her focus, but it does come across.
Neal knows that Viviana could be his life mate almost as soon as they meet. This means that she can save his life in addition to being bonded. He is desperate for this and, as a result, pushes hard to move their relationship forward. It is understandable why he does what he does, but I thought it was pretty close to too much. In addition, he pushes her into a mutual promise that she does not understand.
Towards the end of the story, Viviana and Neal are being intimate and Neal asks her to stop what she was doing. He did not want to go further. She does not listen to him. I did not like that as I believe that both men and women deserve to draw a line on intimacy or sex and have it respected.
Despite the criticisms, the author did pull off the story and, at the end, it did feel like they were a good match.
4 stars
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen
This novella is set in the Nightkeepers world created by the author, but none of the other characters appear. It can be read as a standalone.
The story takes place near a Mayan temple. Natalie and JT meet and have a relationship before the story begins. The relationship was broken off by JT. When the story starts, Natalie discovers a temple with a crystal skull. Just as she finds it, the villagers want her and her team to leave.
They want to blow up the temple, because demons from hell are murdering people in their village. They think that the demons may be coming through the temple.
The story is mostly about what happens from there and sets up other books in the series. However, JT and Natalie reconnect and realize they want to be together. There is not a lot of relationship development, but they do open themselves up to each other, which they had not done before.
4 stars
Red Angel by Deidre Knight
This book is connected to the Gods of Midnight series. The main character, Jamie, is the brother of a main character in a different book. It can be read as a standalone but there are references to other stories.
Jamie is arrogant and I did not care for him. Upon meeting Sunny, the other main character, he knows that she is supernatural in some way, but does not know what she is. He decides to seduce her to find out. The author mentions that he is a total player at the beginning of the story, but he is finally starting to feel a little lonely because people around him are finding love. I think the author meant for this to show depth to his character or to create some sympathy for him, but it did not work for me. Just after his decision to seduce Sunny, he starts touching her leg and fairly quickly tries to get under her skirt. He does this with no charm or even without engaging her in conversation. When she says no, he pulls her onto his lap.
She thinks he is sexy and finds it hard to resist him. Later, he finds out she is an angel. She asks him not to tell and he tells his sister.
I also did not care for her. She just seemed to give in to the attraction between them for no reason. The relationship did not make sense to me and was not developed.
1 stars
I always have a hard time rating anthologies. Do you rate it on the variety or the quality of the writing? I usually give it the benefit of the doubt as it is a good way to find new authors to read. In this case, the quality of a couple of stories dragged the rating down.
Ever Night by Gena Showalter
As far as I know, this is a standalone novella. I have read other books by the author and used to like her books better. Since it came with this sampler book, I read the story and was reminded why I no longer read her books.
Rose is a dimension walker and is called to another dimension on her birthdays. People in the other dimension hunt the dimension walkers like her. In that dimension, she meets Vasili. He immediately bonds with her. There is no explanation for his deciding to do so. He is 15 years older than she is. There is no build up of the relationship.
The sex is like having a fight. They are so uncontrollably attracted to each other that, at one point, they get caught in a hallway about to have sex. A lot of the conversation is “you are mine”. “No, you are mine.”
In the end, after speaking just a couple of sentences, Rose gets Vasili’s people to agree to stop hunting the dimension walkers. This is unrealistic though it allows Rose to accept staying in Vasili’s dimension.
The story is rushed and improbable. The relationship has no depth.
2 stars
The Collector by Shannon Butcher
This novella fits into the author’s Sentinel series. It can be read as a standalone, though there are references to other characters which are explained. Despite the short length, the author gives details that add to the story.
While the relationship is not fleshed out due to the story’s length, it does give a sense that the two main characters are fated to be together. In addition, Neal very quickly admires Viviana and likes who she is. For Viviana, it was less clear what she liked about Neal as she has many shocks in this book and that takes her focus, but it does come across.
Neal knows that Viviana could be his life mate almost as soon as they meet. This means that she can save his life in addition to being bonded. He is desperate for this and, as a result, pushes hard to move their relationship forward. It is understandable why he does what he does, but I thought it was pretty close to too much. In addition, he pushes her into a mutual promise that she does not understand.
Towards the end of the story, Viviana and Neal are being intimate and Neal asks her to stop what she was doing. He did not want to go further. She does not listen to him. I did not like that as I believe that both men and women deserve to draw a line on intimacy or sex and have it respected.
Despite the criticisms, the author did pull off the story and, at the end, it did feel like they were a good match.
4 stars
Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen
This novella is set in the Nightkeepers world created by the author, but none of the other characters appear. It can be read as a standalone.
The story takes place near a Mayan temple. Natalie and JT meet and have a relationship before the story begins. The relationship was broken off by JT. When the story starts, Natalie discovers a temple with a crystal skull. Just as she finds it, the villagers want her and her team to leave.
They want to blow up the temple, because demons from hell are murdering people in their village. They think that the demons may be coming through the temple.
The story is mostly about what happens from there and sets up other books in the series. However, JT and Natalie reconnect and realize they want to be together. There is not a lot of relationship development, but they do open themselves up to each other, which they had not done before.
4 stars
Red Angel by Deidre Knight
This book is connected to the Gods of Midnight series. The main character, Jamie, is the brother of a main character in a different book. It can be read as a standalone but there are references to other stories.
Jamie is arrogant and I did not care for him. Upon meeting Sunny, the other main character, he knows that she is supernatural in some way, but does not know what she is. He decides to seduce her to find out. The author mentions that he is a total player at the beginning of the story, but he is finally starting to feel a little lonely because people around him are finding love. I think the author meant for this to show depth to his character or to create some sympathy for him, but it did not work for me. Just after his decision to seduce Sunny, he starts touching her leg and fairly quickly tries to get under her skirt. He does this with no charm or even without engaging her in conversation. When she says no, he pulls her onto his lap.
She thinks he is sexy and finds it hard to resist him. Later, he finds out she is an angel. She asks him not to tell and he tells his sister.
I also did not care for her. She just seemed to give in to the attraction between them for no reason. The relationship did not make sense to me and was not developed.
1 stars
Read
June 25, 2024New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen, and Deidre Knight present a steamy collection of all-new novellas featuring sexy paranormal hunters.
With shadowy creatures, intoxicating magic, vivdly imagined worlds, and sizzling passion, this is an anthology no fan of paranormal romance will want to miss.
In New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter's Ever Night, Rose Pascal is swept into a dark, haunting world every year on her birthday - a world ruled by a warrior king who hunts her kind. Neither of them can deny the passion that soon consumes them both....
In Shannon K. Butcher's The Collector, demon hunter Neal Etan sets out to acquire a powerful artifact, but finds much more in beautiful Viviana Rowan. The antique dealer's touch strengthens his magic - and her life may be in Neal's hands if they don't recover the artifact in time....
In Jessica Andersen's Crystal Skull, archaeologist Natalie Albright's dig gets shut down amid rumors she has awakened the local demons. But when the terrifying underworld creatures attack, Natalie must team up with her ex to survive. As they fight the ancient menace, they discover a destiny that binds them together - and threatens to tear them apart....
And in Deidre Knight's Red Angel, Jamie Angel, leader of the deadly Nightshades, has tracked every kind of monster and demon that roams the darkness, but none of his experiences can prepare him for falling in love with one of the creatures he's trained to destroy....
Heather's Notes
I like anthologies and I enjoyed these stories for the most part. I did not care for "Red Angel" all that much and found myself skimming and actually skipping parts. I did like "Evernight" and would probably read more if it was ever turned into a series. I also liked "The Collector" and will probably read more in that series. "The Crystal Skull" was a little confusing but I am assuming it is also part of series that might have made more sense if you understood the world better, but was still good.
With shadowy creatures, intoxicating magic, vivdly imagined worlds, and sizzling passion, this is an anthology no fan of paranormal romance will want to miss.
In New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter's Ever Night, Rose Pascal is swept into a dark, haunting world every year on her birthday - a world ruled by a warrior king who hunts her kind. Neither of them can deny the passion that soon consumes them both....
In Shannon K. Butcher's The Collector, demon hunter Neal Etan sets out to acquire a powerful artifact, but finds much more in beautiful Viviana Rowan. The antique dealer's touch strengthens his magic - and her life may be in Neal's hands if they don't recover the artifact in time....
In Jessica Andersen's Crystal Skull, archaeologist Natalie Albright's dig gets shut down amid rumors she has awakened the local demons. But when the terrifying underworld creatures attack, Natalie must team up with her ex to survive. As they fight the ancient menace, they discover a destiny that binds them together - and threatens to tear them apart....
And in Deidre Knight's Red Angel, Jamie Angel, leader of the deadly Nightshades, has tracked every kind of monster and demon that roams the darkness, but none of his experiences can prepare him for falling in love with one of the creatures he's trained to destroy....
Heather's Notes
I like anthologies and I enjoyed these stories for the most part. I did not care for "Red Angel" all that much and found myself skimming and actually skipping parts. I did like "Evernight" and would probably read more if it was ever turned into a series. I also liked "The Collector" and will probably read more in that series. "The Crystal Skull" was a little confusing but I am assuming it is also part of series that might have made more sense if you understood the world better, but was still good.
March 7, 2020
A four story anthology about paranormal hunters.
1) ‘Evernight’ by Gina Showalter. 3 stars. On her 18th birthday Rose Pascal is transported to a nightmare world. She finds out she’s a Dimension Walker and will return every birthday by a warrior king who binds her to him as his bride.
2) ‘The Collector’ by Shannon K Butcher. 3.4 of ‘The Sentinel Wars’ series. 5 stars. This is the story I got this book to read. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. When Neal goes to retrieve an artifact that may cure Torr’s paralysis, he’s stymied by a stubborn antiques dealer named Vivianna, who just happens to be his possible mate. Loved the relationship flow, wish they’d been a bit more at the end.
3) ‘Crystal Skull’ by Jessica Anderson. 5.5 of ‘The Nightkeepers’. 4 stars. While investigating a Mayan archaeological dig, archaeologist Natalie accidentally opens a secret niche with her blood and discovers a crystal skull inside. Caught my attention enough to add series to my ‘to read’ list.
4) ‘Red Angel’ by Deidre Knight. 4.5 of the ‘Gods of Midnight’ series. 2 stars. A Greek heroes made immortal demon slayer story. Read the first few chapters couldn’t get into it. Maybe the attitude of the male hero or the sameness of the others. Not sure.
1) ‘Evernight’ by Gina Showalter. 3 stars. On her 18th birthday Rose Pascal is transported to a nightmare world. She finds out she’s a Dimension Walker and will return every birthday by a warrior king who binds her to him as his bride.
2) ‘The Collector’ by Shannon K Butcher. 3.4 of ‘The Sentinel Wars’ series. 5 stars. This is the story I got this book to read. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. When Neal goes to retrieve an artifact that may cure Torr’s paralysis, he’s stymied by a stubborn antiques dealer named Vivianna, who just happens to be his possible mate. Loved the relationship flow, wish they’d been a bit more at the end.
3) ‘Crystal Skull’ by Jessica Anderson. 5.5 of ‘The Nightkeepers’. 4 stars. While investigating a Mayan archaeological dig, archaeologist Natalie accidentally opens a secret niche with her blood and discovers a crystal skull inside. Caught my attention enough to add series to my ‘to read’ list.
4) ‘Red Angel’ by Deidre Knight. 4.5 of the ‘Gods of Midnight’ series. 2 stars. A Greek heroes made immortal demon slayer story. Read the first few chapters couldn’t get into it. Maybe the attitude of the male hero or the sameness of the others. Not sure.
November 22, 2019
Im not a fan of anthologies in general but I read/listened to this for a book challenge.
1.Evernight by Gena Showalter- Honestly the only good story out of the 4. I was hard core invested. I loved the world and characters and there was hella chemistry but to my great disappointment this is a standalone
2. The Collector by Shannon Butcher-boring, didnt like the story or characters
3.Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen- This story was more intriguing but confusing since theres not alot of world building. The fact that you need to cut off the demons d*ck to kill it though is just stupid.
4. Red Angel by Deidre Knight- Insta love with a rich jerk who was more worried about getting the mc clothes off then the fact that she'd go to hell for it
So overall this was pretty disappointing, like I said im not a fan of anthologies because there's just too little story and world building for my liking.
1.Evernight by Gena Showalter- Honestly the only good story out of the 4. I was hard core invested. I loved the world and characters and there was hella chemistry but to my great disappointment this is a standalone
2. The Collector by Shannon Butcher-boring, didnt like the story or characters
3.Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen- This story was more intriguing but confusing since theres not alot of world building. The fact that you need to cut off the demons d*ck to kill it though is just stupid.
4. Red Angel by Deidre Knight- Insta love with a rich jerk who was more worried about getting the mc clothes off then the fact that she'd go to hell for it
So overall this was pretty disappointing, like I said im not a fan of anthologies because there's just too little story and world building for my liking.
June 16, 2023
This review is only for The Collector, the short story by Shannon K. Butcher within the collection.
3.5/5
This was a quick story. We were introduced to the male main character in the previous book in the series. In this short story we find him meeting with an antique collector to attempt to buy an object that he is told can help undue the paralysis his friend is suffering from. They meet. They are attacked. They have to retrieve the item. Stuff happens.
The action felt well paced, but the relationship moved way to fast for me to find believable on the female side. Not a bad read; More like a decent fluff piece when you want to escape reality.
3.5/5
This was a quick story. We were introduced to the male main character in the previous book in the series. In this short story we find him meeting with an antique collector to attempt to buy an object that he is told can help undue the paralysis his friend is suffering from. They meet. They are attacked. They have to retrieve the item. Stuff happens.
The action felt well paced, but the relationship moved way to fast for me to find believable on the female side. Not a bad read; More like a decent fluff piece when you want to escape reality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews